Women’s Ashes 2023: Beaumont’s Hundred Helps England Fight Back on Day 2
Tammy Beaumont remains unbeaten on 100 [Twitter]
In the one-off women's Test match at Trent Bridge between England and Australia, England's opening batter Tammy Beaumont played a remarkable innings, scoring an unbeaten century on the second day of play. At the end of the day's play, England reached a total of 218-2 in response to Australia's first-innings score of 473, setting the stage for an intriguing battle.
Beaumont's unbeaten century was a testament to her exceptional batting skills and determination. While she had a stroke of luck when she was on 61, as Australia failed to review an edge off the bowling of leg-spinner Alana King, she capitalized on the opportunity.
Beaumont’s Century Anchors England’s Strong Response
Australia's Annabel Sutherland struck early, providing her team with a crucial breakthrough by dismissing the resilient Emma Lamb (10), inducing a tantalizing edge that nestled safely into the hands of the alert fielder at second slip. However, England's indomitable captain, Heather Knight, exemplified composure and poise at the crucial number three position, forging an unwavering partnership of 115 runs for the second wicket.
Despite her eventual departure, falling victim to the wily bowling of Ash Gardner after scoring a valiant 57, Knight's departure paved the way for the arrival of Nat Sciver-Brunt. The pair seamlessly synchronized their batting prowess, complementing each other's strokes with consummate ease.
As the curtains closed on an enthralling day of cricket, England found themselves at 218-2, still trailing by a significant 255 runs. Beaumont, standing tall and undefeated, etched her name into the annals of cricketing history with an exquisite century off a mere 154 deliveries, leaving spectators marveling at her sheer mastery with the willow. Sciver-Brunt, providing invaluable support, contributed a valuable 41 runs from just 44 deliveries, further bolstering England's fightback against the mighty Australian side.
Sutherland Smashes Maiden Test Century, Ecclestone Secures First Five-Wicket Haul
Annabel Sutherland scored her first ever ton earlier on Day 2. (AP Photo)
Earlier in the day, Australia had resumed their innings at 328-7, and it was the lower-order batters, Alana King (21) and Kim Garth (22), who admirably supported the remarkable knock of 137 by Annabel Sutherland. Frustrating the English seamers with their gritty partnership of 95 runs for the ninth wicket, they played their part in propelling Australia to the highest first-innings total in the illustrious history of women's Test matches.
Nonetheless, it was the left-arm spinner extraordinaire, Sophie Ecclestone, who stole the limelight for England, showcasing her prodigious talent by claiming her maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Ecclestone's brilliant figures of 5-129 in a marathon spell of 46.2 overs epitomized her emergence as a force to be reckoned with.
The match is currently finely balanced, with Australia holding a slight advantage. The pitch has shown signs of uneven bounce, suggesting that spinners will play a more significant role in the upcoming stages of the game. The stage is set for a captivating continuation of play, promising an enthralling battle between the two sides.
Brief scores
Australia Women 1st innings: 473 (124.2)
Annabel Sutherland 137* (184), Ellyse Perry 99 (153)
Sophie Ecclestone 5-129, Lauren Bell 2-91 (20)
England Women 1st Innings: 218-2 (53 overs)
Tammy Beaumont 100* (154), Heather Knight 57(91)
Annabel Sutherland 1/27 (7), A 1/47 (8)
England trail Australia by 255 runs
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
